Today we’d like to introduce you to Karim Webb.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was raised by two entrepreneurial parents who understood that their children could not inherit their job but could inherit their business as McDonalds franchisees.
Having been exposed to the restaurant business as a teen, working at one of my parents’ McDonald’s restaurants, I trained on all aspects of restaurant operations and learned the rigor it takes to be a successful business owner and entrepreneur. After opening four Buffalo Wild Wings franchise locations myself, along with my business partner, Edward Barnett, I realized that my calling was more than selling chicken and beer. It was developing young people through entry-level jobs.
My entrepreneurial experience and history of engagement within “opportunity youth” in Los Angeles has led me to my true-life purpose, philanthropic work promoting leadership development and ownership as a gateway to a fulfilled life.
I believe opportunity and progress do not just happen but that working toward creating even the smallest ripple is capable of causing a wave of positive results – the activation of possibility in their lives by exercising their muscle of excellence. And that is what I do in my new venture, 4thMVMT
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
This is my first startup. Operating in the franchise business is what I do. Developing people is what I do. And for me, it comes easy. I’ve done it my whole life but having to navigate a Cap Table is different. Going out to investors in the VC, private equity space has been different. How you capitalize a start-up versus how you capitalize a known commodity like Buffalo Wild Wing is a totally different thing. And the difference in the caliber of talent, Buffalo Wild Wings is primarily an entry-level employer who develops people in order to run restaurants. With 4thMVMT you are dealing with highly-skilled individuals, so the management tools and the way in which you manage is different.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the 4thMVMT story. Tell us more about the business.
4thMVMT is the answer to social equity. We’ve created a model to mechanize human potential by providing the resources necessary to own and operate competitive businesses. The goal is to cultivate human potential by empowering people – providing new solutions and fostering well-being while building community, improving outcomes, and engaging culture in an authentic and impactful way.
The process starts with investing in human beings overcoming their traumas in order to be successful leaders of multi-million-dollar businesses. And that starts with trauma-informed personal development. The applicants are then put through a 12-week proprietary business training program called MoveUp, created in conjunction with LeadersUp, a highly sot after talent development company. Finally, they are trained on all things cannabis ensuring each and every owner-operator in the program is well educated on the products they will carry and their health benefits.
4thMVMT aims to positively impact the circumstances of underserved communities, which ultimately fosters improved socioeconomic standing.
What has been the proudest moment of your career so far?
The values – as an entrepreneur, business person, leader, and community stakeholder – that have been manifested through the work that we do. I’ll always remember when my father told me when I was in my early 20’s and contemplating whether or not to continue you on the McDonalds business, “Son, McDonald’s is the best I could do. It’s not the best you can do.”
Which really liberated me to do other things. And now, 4thMVMT has the momentum that it has, Buffalo Wild Wings is established and doing as well as it does – we have been valuable to the community especially around “opportunity youth” in South LA.
And I know that my parents are proud… that is the thing that I am most proud of.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.4thmvmt.com
- Email: contact@4thmvmt.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karimwebb/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karimwebb
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/karimwebb
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